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United star Martial plays down Henry comparison

Anthony Martial: One of the fastest in the BPL last season

Anthony Martial insists he is “far from” Thierry Henry’s level after the Manchester United striker played down comparisons with the Arsenal legend.

The Frenchman became the world’s most expensive teenager during the summer when Manchester United splashed out a fee that could rise as high as £58million to sign the striker from Monaco.

But he has made an instant impact at Old Trafford, scoring in the wins over Liverpool, Southampton and Ipswich, and his explosive form and composure in front of goal has seen him compared to compatriot Henry, but Martial insists he is uncomfortable with such talk.

“Thierry Henry? He is a legend in England. I have everything left to prove,” Martial told the French radio station RMC.

“Maybe, with hard work, I will finally reach Henry’s level. But at the moment, I’m far from it.”

Martial has also explained why he wanted to move to Old Trafford from Monaco.

“Why I chose Manchester United? Because, for me, they are amongst the five best clubs in the world,” he added.

“I also really wanted to continue to play in the Champions League. This is what made my decision. And I know [Louis] Van Gaal wanted me. That’s what motivated me to take a decision.

“I knew that at Manchester United I would have my chance, it was just a matter of grabbing it.”

Meanwhile, French boss Didier Deschamps has warned United’s Premier League and Champions League rivals that they haven’t seen the best of Martial yet.

Speaking from the French camp, where Martial is currently with the national squad, Deschamps said: “I think he has a very interesting potential.

“He is not a very big character. That shyness does not bother me when it comes to young players who arrive as part of the selection.

“He still has steps to take in his development. It changed his world moving to Manchester United this summer.”